Palo Alto: New superintendent to make $295K, receive $1M interest-free home loan

By Jason Green

Daily News Staff Writer

Posted:
06/03/2014 06:15:25 AM PDT

Updated:
06/03/2014 06:15:33 AM PDT

Glenn "Max" McGee, the finalist in Palo Alto Unified School District's search for a new superintendent, would initially be paid $295,000 per year and receive a $1 million interest-free home loan, according to a tentative employment agreement released Friday.

The Board of Education is scheduled to discuss -- but not vote on -- McGee's appointment and contract Tuesday.

The employment agreement, which spans four years, is similar to one outgoing Superintendent Kevin Skelly received when he joined the district in 2007. Skelly initially earned $225,000 per year and received a $1 million interest-free loan to buy a home within the district. Including a one-time 3 percent bonus, Skelly will be paid nearly $300,000 this year.

McGee would be paid $295,000 for 224 days of service, according to the contract. But he wouldn't make that much in the first year because he would only work 205 days, earning just $270,416.

His salary could climb to $319,318 by fiscal year 2018-19, according to a salary schedule attached to the contract. As long as he maintains a satisfactory rating, he would receive a 2 percent bump each year.

The interest-free $1 million loan is contingent on McGee relocating to the district. The contact calls for him to be reimbursed for moving and temporary housing expenses. The latter would be limited to $15,000.

McGee would also receive a monthly car allowance of $750, as well as $6,000 to spend on life insurance premiums, according to the contract.

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The Board of Education selected McGee as a finalist for superintendent on May 15. A week later, a delegation including four board members traveled to Aurora, Ill., for a "validation visit." The delegation toured the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, where McGee served as president for six years, and interviewed several of his current and former colleagues.

McGee's selection was publicly announced on May 23. In a statement, Board President Barb Mitchell described McGee as a collaborative educator who leads by example, cultivates a student-centered culture and cares deeply about developing the talents of young people.

"Aside from his demonstrated knowledge and leadership, our next superintendent is a strong, creative and strategic team builder who listens, builds bridges, communicates clear rationale for goals and actions, and gets things done," Mitchell added.

McGee has spent more than four decades in the education field, starting out as a middle school teacher and principal. He went on to serve 17 years as superintendent of three K-8 school districts in Illinois, including the nationally acclaimed Wilmette Public School System, where he launched a district-wide initiative to improve the reading ability of boys.

As the state superintendent of education for Illinois from 1998 to 2001, McGee reportedly led efforts to close the achievement gap and revamp a retirement system for teachers.

From 2007 to 2013, McGee served as president of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. He currently heads the Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science, a global high school collaborative startup for teaching, learning and research in New Jersey.

The board is scheduled to vote on McGee's appointment and employment agreement on June 17.

Human Resources Assistant Superintendent Scott Bowers is expected to fill the role of interim superintendent between Skelly's departure on June 30 and McGee's arrival on Aug. 1.

WHAT: The Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education is scheduled to discuss the appointment of Glenn “Max” McGee as the next superintendent as well as his proposed employment agreement.WHEN: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.WHERE: Board Room, District Office, 25 Churchill Ave.